Michael Sheen takes over House of Games host role on BBC Two

Sheen, born in Newport and now living in Port Talbot, will take over from Richard Osman on BBC Two’s House of Games, starting tonight (Monday, October 5).

Osman, who launched the show in 2017, steps down after nine years and more than 800 episodes as host of the popular BBC quiz show.

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Following his final episode last Friday (October 2), Osman said: "The very fondest of farewells to #HouseOfGames, it really has been a treat from start to finish.

"I can't wait to watch @mablilyradad taking the hot seat from Monday.

"And who knows, maybe I'll even turn up as a contestant one day?

"Thank you for all the love yesterday, and over the years."

Michael Sheen to debut as House of Games host

Sheen, 57, will present 100 episodes of the quiz show, all expected to air this year.

He will make his debut tonight after Osman's final episode last Friday.

He said: "Quite literally very large shoes to fill but as a huge fan of the show, I’m incredibly excited to be able to move into the House and at long last see my silhouette on a fondue set."

House of Games features four celebrity contestants taking part in a variety of trivia games across a week, with daily winners and an overall champion crowned on Friday.

Who are the celebrities on House of Games this week?

Sheen’s first week will see four celebrities compete for the title of House of Games champion.

The line-up features:

• Stephen Mangan
• Shona McGarty
• Andi Peters
• Nina Wadia

Contestants will take part in daily games that test their general knowledge and quick thinking.

The TV guide states: "A daily winner is declared following a quickfire round at the end of each show, and the scores are tallied across the week, resulting in an overall champion being crowned on Friday."

Why is Richard Osman leaving House of Games?

Osman announced his departure from House of Games to prioritise his writing career.

Speaking on his podcast The Rest is Entertainment, he said: "It will no longer be Richard Osman's House of Games.

"It will be somebody else's House of Games,

"And I gladly hand over the keys."

He also thanked viewers for their messages in a statement on Instagram.

Osman said: "It’s just with the writing, there comes a point, you know, where you have to hand it over.

"I’ve loved doing it so much and I’ll be gutted when I don’t do it any more."

Rob Unsworth, the BBC’s head of daytime and early peak commissioning, praised Osman’s contribution to the show.

Mr Unsworth said: "Richard Osman has established House of Games as one of our best-loved shows.

"His contribution to its success is impossible to overstate, and we couldn’t be more grateful for his work over the last nine years."

When to watch Michael Sheen on House of Games

You can watch Michael Sheen as the new House of Games host on BBC Two and iPlayer from 6pm tonight.

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